Jaishankar invokes diplomacy, energy security, and the fate of 10 million Indians in West Asia
With oil surging past $100 a barrel and the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told the Rajya Sabha on Monday that India’s priorities are unambiguous protect its citizens, secure its energy, and keep trade flowing.
Over 67,000 Indians have already been evacuated from the conflict zone, with flights ramping up daily. Ten million more remain in the region, concentrated heavily in Saudi Arabia and the UAE both targeted by Iranian strikes.
Jaishankar confirmed India granted three Iranian warships docking permission on March 1. One, IRIS Lavan, reached Kochi on March 4. A second was sunk by a US submarine. Two Indian mariners have already lost their lives in shipping attacks.
India’s $200 billion annual trade with West Asia hangs in the balance as New Delhi continues pressing all sides for de-escalation and dialogue.
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